Corruption for Family

This chapter explores the concept of corruption for family , in which individuals exploit their formal positions and organizational resources to benefit relatives, driven primarily by family norms and kinship obligations rather than personal gain. Drawing on cases from law enforcement, border control, and global bureaucracies, the chapter argues that such corruption is socially integrative, reinforcing family intimacy, reputation, and obligations. These actions often stem from deeply embedded family norms that override formal organizational rules and legal codes, reflecting a tension between universal values and particularistic loyalties. The chapter situates this phenomenon within a functionalist framework rooted in classical sociology, showing how family corruption can serve latent social functions such as cohesion, solidarity, and symbolic capital. Ultimately, the analysis underscores how corruption for family blurs moral boundaries, presenting a powerful yet overlooked form of everyday corruption with deep social roots.